The
Vanguard V4 is
a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone. Lovingly
crafted by experts over 2 years, it is designed to be a versatile,
reliable, professional recording tool that breaks the usual
“bang-for-your-buck” curve. With our acclaimed edge-terminated
ultra-thin custom-voiced capsule, a pad/rolloff option, primo
cryogenically-treated componentry, and the best shock mount in al the
land, the V4 is made to be your go-to workhorse microphone at a price
that won’t break your piggy bank.
Included Accessories:
- VLSM Large Shockmount with aerospace-grade suspension rings
- Padded Pinewood Microphone Box
- Locking Aluminum Carrying Case
- UPC Code: 636123997783
.
PERFORMANCE
We designed V4 with certain
characteristics of classic FET microphones in mind, while also utilizing
modern technology & design to meet the demands of today’s recording
professionals. Our ultra-thin 3µm edge-terminated capsule
diaphragms are extraordinarily sensitive, ensuring that every nuance and
detail of the performance is faithfully captured.
We heard from a number of Vanguard V44S users that they loved the
clean and full character of the V44S so much as an alternative to their
V13 and V1 microphones, they wanted a small “mono” version of the V44S
for travel purposes. The signal and power paths of the V4 is identical
to a single channel of the V44S, but because we had space for an extra
PCB and switch, we couldn’t resist adding a simple pad/rolloff combo
switch to the rear, as well as spacing the power conversion circuit as
far as possible from the signal path.
After hundreds of hours of listening
with world-class engineers in environments ranging from fully-equipped
major studios to bootstrapped home setups, we can confidently say that
this microphone will vastly exceed the performance of other
microphones in its price range, and rival the performance of microphones
costing several times more.
DESIGN
The VANGUARD V4 is very different from
other microphones in its price range. It is designed and precision-built
in limited quantities to “no-compromise” standards,
with final assembly and 100% testing taking place here in Southern California.
We feel that the sensitive nature of microphones requires a
high-standards, no-holds-barred test battery to ensure that we’d be
proud to use EVERY microphone that leaves our shop on our own records.
We started with an
extra-large 34mm edge-terminated, gold-sputtered 3µm Mylar dual-capsule assembly and custom-voice it
with a proprietary hand-tuning process. The capsule is mounted in an
open-weave headbasket for a natural sound with low internal reflections.
We then designed a transformerless solid-state circuit that matches
the unique musical properties of our capsules and loaded it with
premium-grade, over-spec components sourced from manufacturers around the world, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. We deep-cycle cryogenically treat critical components in the signal & power paths, including an ultra-high-grade FET that
is many times more expensive than the standard transistor you’ll find
in most sub-$500 microphones. As one of the most critical components in
the signal path, we tested several premium-grade transistors before
choosing this particular model, and the results are significant &
audible improvements in audio quality, headroom, distortion, and noise
floor vs. standard-grade JFET transistors.
Aesthetically, the precision-machined
brass body is coated with our signature Pinot Noir, finished with a
deep, lustrous gloss, and accented by polished nickel trim and a
precision-cast Vanguard badge. Your V4’s serial number is laser-engraved
on the lower rear of the microphone.
The V4 was designed by a team of experts
with more than 65 years of experience and vetted by award-winning
engineers and producers.
QUALITY
The V4 was designed in the USA, and
undergoes final assembly in sunny Southern California. We perform 100%
quality control – every single piece of your microphone kit undergoes a
series of stringent audio and visual tests here in Southern California
before being hand-packed.
Every part of the V4 was designed to be
robust and reliable. Wherever possible, components were over-spec’d. The
deep-cycle cryogenic treatment improves the lifespan and performance of
critical electronic components. Brass, steel, aluminum, and zinc are
part of the heavy-duty construction. Every Vanguard microphone is backed
by our
FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY.
We run every one of our microphones through a series of tests to
ensure that they meet our standards, and we strongly feel that any pair
of V4s will match each other close enough for any critical recording
applications. However, we also understand the level of detail and
fastidiousness that we audio engineers hold ourselves to. At your
request to your dealer, we can provide matched pairs of the V4 +/- 1.5dB
at no additional cost.
ACCESSORIES
When you buy a V4, you also get a
VLSM Heavy-Duty Shockmount.
We wanted to rethink the standard “spider-style” shockmount of old, and
designed the VLSM with a few nifty features. First is the open front,
which allows you to position the microphone as close to the source as
necessary. Second, we install aerospace-grade suspension rings that
won’t break, sag, crack, or stretch over time. This shockmount was
designed to fit any microphone with M22x1 threading, so you also can use
it with a number of microphones from other manufacturers.
When not in use, your V4 should be stored in its padded pinewood box.
800-834-5986
